V. Stiviano

About

Instagram star, model, socialite, and former personal assistant known being the woman at the center of the 2014 Donald Sterling and Los Angeles Clippers racism scandal. She became widely known when audio recordings she made of Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling making racist remarks were leaked publicly in April 2014, which led to Donald Sterling being banned for life from the NBA and fined $2.5 million along with the forced sale of the Clippers franchise.

Before fame

She attended Theodore Roosevelt High School. She initially worked various jobs connected to the entertainment world including wardrobe styling and catering on small independent film projects. She met Donald Sterling around 2010 and eventually became part of his inner circle. 

Trivia

She filed a California court petition to change her legal name to V. Stiviano in 2010 because she wanted to separate herself from her past and embrace a new identity. She gave a highly publicized interview with Barbara Walters in May 2014.

Family life

She was born Vanessa Maria Perez. She was born and raised in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles, California.

Associated with

Her leaked recordings of Donald Sterling included his comments criticizing her for posting photos with Black public figures such as NBA legend Magic Johnson. She has been photographed with MLB star Matt Kemp.